Local scouts, leaders and students turned out to help at last year's food drive. Photo courtesy of the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation 

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) - Join the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank for the 7th Annual Community Food Drive on Saturday, Oct. 17. The food drive will be held in the parking lot at Divine Savior Catholic Church in Orangevale between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. The church is located at 9079 Greenback Lane.

Donations help stock the food bank’s shelves and ensure local families have nutritious food to eat over the holidays and throughout the winter. Whether you donate one bag of groceries or organize a collection with your entire neighborhood, every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

“The primary goal of the food bank is to support families in the Orangevale and Fair Oaks area who need food,” said Marcus Arnold, the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank coordinator. “Last year, the food bank helped 47,000 household members, and that number continues to grow due to increased demand for assistance from our neighbors who need our help this time of year.”

Andrea Scollay, the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank director, explained that local, state and national food programs have been significantly cut back and that requirements have changed, to the point that some families are losing their benefits altogether.

“The annual food drive stocks our pantry shelves, allowing us to feed families throughout the new year,” said Scollay. “Community support helps us feed our neighbors in need.”

Last year's Community Food Drive volunteers posed for a photo between tasks. Photo courtesy of the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation

Event volunteers will accept the following nonperishable food items at the food drive on Oct. 17 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.: cereal and oatmeal; peanut butter; dry pasta and pasta sauce; canned meals and soups; ramen and instant noodles; canned fruits and vegetables; beans and rice; flavored side dishes (ex., mac ‘n cheese); and snacks.

Do you still have plastic shopping bags at home? Bring them to the food drive when you drop off your food items. The Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank can use the bags to pack groceries for their clients on pick-up days.

Volunteers needed

Over 100 volunteers are needed to assist the food bank during the Annual Community Food Drive from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. View the volunteer registration page to find an available shift: www.one.ovfocf.org/volunteer.

“The Annual Community Food Drive is a day of love and collaboration, with neighbors helping neighbors,” said Marcus Arnold. “Whether you volunteer with us or donate food, your time and contributions support an important cause. We are grateful for any support from the community.”

For more information about the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank, visit: www.ovfofb.org.